Charlton officials, residents debate effect of tax increase

Tuesday

Jul 9, 2013 at 9:28 PM

By Debbie LaPlaca, CORRESPONDENT

CHARLTON — The town's financial officials met with about 80 residents Tuesday in the second of three public forums to gauge public opinion before setting the amount for a Proposition 2 1/2 override election.

Selectman Rick C. Swensen said operating costs are increasing at a greater rate than the town's ability to raise revenue because, in part, of unfunded mandates.

"The state is imposing mandates on the town with regard to how much we are going to pay to educate our children to fire department training; the list goes on and on of unfunded mandates," he said. Spring town meeting voters repeatedly urged officials to seek an override to offset chronic operating budget deficits. Selectmen recently voted to place an override question before voters in a special election set for Sept. 9.

On Tuesday, residents reviewed budget scenarios with and without an override for fiscal 2015, which begins July 1, 2014.

"The purpose is to give residents an update and get their feedback. We're not up here to shove anything down the taxpayers' throats," Mr. Swensen said.

Superintendent of Schools Sean M. Gilrein said the state has significantly changed the formula for public school funding and the town faces a minimum $400,000 increase next year.

Dudley-Charlton Regional School District priorities, he said, are to restore a small number of the 36 positions cut over the last two years and to satisfy state mandates to update curriculum and technology.

Police Chief James A. Pervier said the demands on his department are increasing. The chief seeks to add full-time dispatchers to the roster and gain more funding for mandated staff training.

Fire Chief Charles E. Cloutier Jr. said the potential budget cuts without an override could discontinue the 24-7 in-house ambulance coverage. Reductions in staff, he said, would also decrease department revenue.

Resident Stefan Sage suggested officials seek a $1.4 million override "to get us through what needs to be done."

If voters approved a $1 million override, it would add an estimated 72 cents to the current tax rate of $12.30 per $1,000 valuation.

According to estimates by the assessor's office, taxes on the average house, valued at $255,000, would increase by $184 per year.

Resident Norman Dugas, who said at the first override forum that seniors "are getting thrown under the bus," suggested the town institute a 2 1/2 percent cap on tax increases for residents age 65 and tax freezes for residents at the age of 70.

"We've been paying taxes in this town for 55 years. I think it's time to cut us some slack," he said.

Mr. Swensen said the override amount will be announced at the third and final override forum, set for 6:30 p.m. July 30 at Charlton Middle School.